Ulrika Lindmark1, Henrik Jansson1,2, Christina Lannering3,4, Linda Johansson3. 1. Department of Natural Science and Biomedicine, Centre for Oral Health, Aging Research Network - Jönköping, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden. 2. Department of Periodontology, Centre of Oral Health Sciences, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. 3. Institute of Gerontology, Aging Research Network - Jönköping, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden. 4. Region Jönköping County, Futurum, Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between oral health and nutritional status in the context of daily care for older people. BACKGROUND: Oral problems often increase with age and affect a person's ability to chew and swallow. They might also influence the ability to maintain a satisfactory nutritional status. Oral health awareness is therefore of great importance in nursing care for older people. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data from the Swedish quality register, Senior Alert, were used, including structured assessments of both oral and nutritional status using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide-Jönköping and the Mini Nutritional Assessment. In total, 1,156 persons (mean age: 82.8 ± 7.9) had both oral and nutritional assessments registered by the nursing staff in daily care. RESULTS: Approximately 29% of participants had moderate oral health problems. Another 12% had severe problems. Over 60% of the persons were considered at risk of malnutrition or were malnourished. There was a weak correlation between poor nutritional status and poor oral health, and approximately one-third of the persons who were at risk or malnourished had simultaneous oral problems. A multivariate logistic regression revealed that when problems involving voice and swallowing were present, there was also a greater possibility of being assessed as at risk of malnourishment or being malnourished. CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between oral health problems and nutritional status, indicating the importance of evaluating oral health status in older persons with nutritional problems. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nursing staff involved in care for older people should be aware of the importance of including regular oral health check-ups in their work. There is also a need for nursing staff members and oral health professionals to exchange knowledge.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between oral health and nutritional status in the context of daily care for older people. BACKGROUND: Oral problems often increase with age and affect a person's ability to chew and swallow. They might also influence the ability to maintain a satisfactory nutritional status. Oral health awareness is therefore of great importance in nursing care for older people. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data from the Swedish quality register, Senior Alert, were used, including structured assessments of both oral and nutritional status using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide-Jönköping and the Mini Nutritional Assessment. In total, 1,156 persons (mean age: 82.8 ± 7.9) had both oral and nutritional assessments registered by the nursing staff in daily care. RESULTS: Approximately 29% of participants had moderate oral health problems. Another 12% had severe problems. Over 60% of the persons were considered at risk of malnutrition or were malnourished. There was a weak correlation between poor nutritional status and poor oral health, and approximately one-third of the persons who were at risk or malnourished had simultaneous oral problems. A multivariate logistic regression revealed that when problems involving voice and swallowing were present, there was also a greater possibility of being assessed as at risk of malnourishment or being malnourished. CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between oral health problems and nutritional status, indicating the importance of evaluating oral health status in older persons with nutritional problems. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nursing staff involved in care for older people should be aware of the importance of including regular oral health check-ups in their work. There is also a need for nursing staff members and oral health professionals to exchange knowledge.
Authors: Gabriele Röhrig; Schmidt Pia; Michael Bussmann; Henning Kunter; Michael Johannes Noack; Anna Greta Barbe Journal: Eur Geriatr Med Date: 2020-03-13 Impact factor: 1.710
Authors: R K T Saarela; N M Savikko; H Soini; S Muurinen; M H Suominen; H Kautiainen; K H Pitkala Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2019 Impact factor: 4.075